Tesla Recalls 2 Million Cars Fitted with Autopilot Systems

Tesla announced that it was recalling over two million vehicles due to its Autopilot system not doing enough to prevent drivers from misusing it.

The announcement was confirmed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Wednesday (December 13) as a result of its two-year investigation into the company, with the agency reviewing 956 crashes in which Autopilot was believed to be in use. An NHTSA spokesperson told Business Insider that the investigation would remain open as it monitors the "efficacy of Tesla's remedies."

"Automated technology holds great promise for improving safety but only when it is deployed responsibly," the NHTSA spokesperson said. "Today's action is an example of improving automated systems by prioritizing safety."

Tesla Offers Free Autopilot Software Updates

For its part, Tesla would release free software to its 2012-2023 Model S; 2016-2023 Model X; 2017-2023 Model 3; and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer, which is part of Tesla's basic Autopilot package, requiring drivers to keep their hands on the steering wheel to take action.

Tesla Recalls 2 Million Cars Fitted with Autopilot Systems

(Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

However, the recall noted that the current Autopilot controls might not be adequate to stop drivers from misusing the system.

"Specifically, the investigation found that Tesla's unique design of its Autopilot system can provide inadequate driver engagement and usage controls that can lead to foreseeable misuse of the system," the NHTSA spokesperson added.

Wednesday's recall was the second this year for Tesla's automated driving features, which have been involved in hundreds of crashes, with some of them resulting in deaths.

In February, Tesla issued an earlier recall for over 360,000 cars after expressing concern over its Full Self-Driving software causing vehicles to act "unsafe" around intersections.

Tesla is yet to respond to reporters' requests for comment.